The greatest product designs are those that merge aesthetics and functionality without sacrificing either for the other, and by that standard few items of clothing are more successful than the M-65 Field Jacket. Originally designed for the US military, this cotton/nylon coat's first major deployment came during the war in Vietnam where its ability to keep soldiers warm and dry was quite possibly the only thing about the entire conflict that went according to plan.

The M-65's design is full of utilitarian details, including extended box pleats on the back for ease of movement and a snap-up placket covering the zipper to prevent a crawling soldier from getting snagged on the ground. Many of these same details are flattering to the wearer, such as a built-up collar and a pair of midsection drawcords that give this otherwise boxy jacket a proper waist. Modern M-65s are made in a variety of colours, and the best designs are still the most authentic. Obviously you want to avoid camo and olive; black, navy and khaki all look great. Some of the best-made M-65s come from Alpha Industries; interestingly, their hard-to-find American-made coats run about $80 and since they started manufacturing them in China pricing seems to have gone up to around $125. Not quite sure what happened there.

Important sizing note: these things run REALLY big. Seriously, if you wear a 40 suit, you'll probably be more than comfortable in a small. So size down by at least one unless you want to wear it as a droopy-shouldered tent like De Niro did in Taxi Driver.